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How to Keep Hydrangeas From Wilting in Bouquets
How to Keep Hydrangeas From Wilting in Bouquets. When a hydrangea wilts in the garden, a little water typically perks it right up. When the cut hydrangea wilts in the vase, the flower is on its way to the trash heap. According to Judith King, noted hydrangea specialist, there is a substance produced after the hydrangea's flowers are cut from the...
When a hydrangea wilts in the garden, a little water typically perks it right up. When the cut hydrangea wilts in the vase, the flower is on its way to the trash heap. According to Judith King, noted hydrangea specialist, there is a substance produced after the hydrangea's flowers are cut from the shrub that tends to clog the stems and prevents water from reaching the flower heads. Multiple techniques work well to help keep hydrangea flowers from wilting.
Things You'll Need
Pruning shears
Vase
Saucepan
Tall container
Measuring cup
Small needle
Flower freshener
Boiling Water Method
Remove leaves that will be under the water when the flowers are placed in the vase.
Fill a vase with room-temperature water.
Boil 2 to 3 cups of additional water in a medium saucepan.
Pour the boiling water into a tall container, and place the hydrangea's stems into it.
Remove the hydrangeas after 30 seconds in the boiling water, and plunge the stems into the room-temperature water.
Quick Method
Remove all leaves from the lower portion of each hydrangea flower. Leaves under the water rot and cause the flowers to wilt.
Cut 1/2 inch from the bottom of the hydrangea stem while holding it under running water.
Poke holes around the hydrangea stem, 1 inch from the bottom, with a small needle. This helps the stem absorb water.
Add a packet of flower freshener, available at nurseries, to the water in the vase and place the hydrangea in the vase.
Pull the flowers from the arrangement every three days. Cut another 1/2 inch off the bottom of the stems, under running water and at a 45-degree angle. Pour out the water in the vase, add fresh water and replace the flowers in the vase.
Tips & Warnings
If a vased hydrangea wilts, pull it from the bouquet, cut 1/2 inch from the bottom of the stem, under running water, at a 45-degree angle. Place the stem in a cup of warm-to-the-touch water for one hour and then replace it in the vase.
